Panthers Secure Victory Over Cardinals in Hall of Fame Game

The Carolina Panthers triumphed over the Arizona Cardinals with a 33-30 victory in the Hall of Fame game that marked the beginning of the NFL preseason. Rookie quarterback Haynes King sealed the win by rushing in from the 5-yard line on the final play.

King, named the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year last season at Georgia Tech, completed 21 out of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 39 yards, culminating in the decisive score. Carolina’s coach, Dave Canales, praised King’s performance, emphasizing his ability to keep the play alive through both running and passing.

“The guys were resilient and finish is what we preach as a team,” Canales mentioned. “Haynes did a fantastic job, just keeping the play alive, doing whatever he had to do.”

For Arizona, Carson Beck delivered an equally commendable performance. After his exit, Kedon Slovis threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green, briefly giving the Cardinals a 30-27 lead. Ultimately, King led a comeback for the Panthers, impressing both benches with his decisive final drive.

King’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III had previously put Carolina ahead 24-20 early in the fourth quarter. Earlier, he threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Ja’seem Reed during the second quarter, underscoring his multi-faceted skills on the field.

Backup quarterbacks from both teams took center stage during the game. Beck, a third-round pick from Miami, completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown. Though Arizona’s starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett remained off the field, Beck’s actions showed he might have future opportunities to shine under coach Mike LaFleur.

“He operated like a professional,” Canales observed, noting Beck’s precision and timing.

As Carolina’s expected third-string quarterback, King stands behind Bryce Young and veteran Kenny Pickett. Pickett started the game, completing 8 of 11 passes for 62 yards before King took over.

Conversely, Arizona’s highly drafted running back Jeremiyah Love did not participate, despite his hopes of playing.

Gold Jackets

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 will include notable figures like quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, kicker Adam Vinatieri, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Tomlin’s TV Debut

Former Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin, made his debut on NBC’s broadcast team as the lead studio analyst for “Football Night in America.” Tomlin transitioned to this role after 19 seasons as a coach in Pittsburgh.

Hall of Fame Visits

Jacoby Brissett and tight end Trey McBride visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum. McBride holds the record for most receptions by a tight end in a season with 126, while Brissett set a record with 47 completions in a match against San Francisco.

Tribute to Fitzgerald

Cardinals players paid tribute to Larry Fitzgerald by wearing red T-shirts with his No. 11 during warmups and on the sidelines. Fitzgerald expressed his gratitude and pride in the team’s gesture.